Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002502/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Krzysztof Brejza (PPE)
On 23 June 2025, a Georgian court sentenced opposition leader Zurab Japaridze to seven months’ imprisonment and imposed a two-year ban on political activity. This follows a concerning trajectory of judicial repression orchestrated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, under the influence of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Numerous high-profile opposition leaders – including Mikheil Saakashvili, Nika Melia, Nika Gvaramia and Irakli Okruashvili – are currently imprisoned or facing imminent imprisonment under politically motivated charges.
These developments constitute a systematic dismantling of democratic institutions, in direct violation of Georgia’s obligations under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, and align with Russian hybrid warfare objectives in the Eastern Partnership region – seeking to erode democratic governance, provoke instability and obstruct Euro-Atlantic integration.
In this context:
- 1.What immediate and tangible measures will the Commission adopt to secure the release of Mr Japaridze and other political detainees?
- 2.What specific political, legal or financial instruments will the Commission activate to impose individualised sanctions on Mr Ivanishvili and affiliated enablers of repression?
- 3.In view of Georgia’s democratic backsliding, when will the Commission initiate a formal review of the Association Agreement, and under what criteria?
Submitted: 23.6.2025